By Michael Prochaska
Staff Writer
 
Two out of the three “short list” candidates contending for an Ocmulgee Judicial District Superior Court Judgeship are attorneys serving Morgan County, according to a Georgia Judicial Nomination Commission press release.
Local attorney Brenda Trammell and Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Alison Burleson are in the running with Putnam County State Court Judge Enis Trenton Brown III to fill the vacancy left by Judge John Lee Parrott, who resigned in May of this year after he was notified of results of an inquiry by the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission.
The judgeship is normally an office voted on by the electorate of the Ocmulgee circuit jurisdiction, but by Georgia law, the governor has the authority to appoint a new superior court judge to complete Parrott’s term because he resigned before an election.
The candidates will hold interviews with Governor Deal and his executive staff Aug. 15 at the state Capitol.
In an e-mail interview, Burleson said she is interested in the job because providing public service is part of who she is.
“As a prosecutor, I have dedicated my entire legal career to public service and to trying to do what is right,” she said.  “Frankly, as a lawyer I can really think of no greater honor than to continue to be able to serve the community in the role of judge and make sure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.”
Trammell, who has practiced law for 34 years, said she is an advocate of criminal and civil justice and has been devoted to serving the residents of Madison for more than a decade.
“After a while, you see you will be able to make a difference on the other side of the bench,” she said.
Trammell, who runs her own private practice, said she will close her practice to dedicate her time to the full-time judgeship if appointed.
Both candidates said a date for a final decision from the governor’s office has yet to be determined.
Judge Brown could not be reached for comment as of press time.
 

Printed in the August 9, 2012